Some Exercises in Form

The Fiesta (from “The Island”)

he must’ve been
eight hours dead when
I saw him
I identified the body and
they gave him to me
without asking
who I was
and I didn’t know what to do
except not to cry
because he didn’t
want me to cry
I should’ve been there
when they took him
I should’ve been
washing his body
I should’ve been
combing his hair
but now everything that
should’ve been
have already been
done in the little world
that was my mind
where I put up white
paper dolls and make
them dance
to the many voices that
speak to me
where I put up
fiesta buntings to
tell me where the wind
is coming from
and where I try
with all my strength
to keep the windows
open
how could I ever
say good-bye